The final countdown for the Grade 12 examinations has begun, with matriculants diving into their schoolbooks for some last minute studying. However, police are ramping up for potential threats that might impact learners during their examinations.
Amajuba District SAPS Commissioner, Major General Fred Alexander explained that there have been pockets of incidents at schools across the district, which includes Newcastle, Madadeni, Osizweni, Utrecht, and Dannhauser.
While unable to divulge what these incidents involved, he explained, “These issues have taken place outside of schools which the SAPS were able to address. However, we have now established a strategy to ensure our children are safe while writing their examinations.”
It should be noted that as reported by Newcastillian News on 9 October 2024, the local police have ramped up operations after the youth-based gangs in Osizweni started flowing into Madadeni, with potential threats of it expanding into Newcastle.
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In order to ensure total student safety in the coming weeks, Major General Alexander highlighted that SAPS has also been in meetings with the Department of Education, making further preparations to ensure no student is stopped from writing their exams or exposed to potential violence.
Additionally, the Major General noted that when looking at the slight increase in armed robberies and aggravated assaults, law enforcement will be conducting high-density operations in both the CBD and residential areas.
“We will be focusing on aggravated robberies, business and residential robberies and addressing the issue where people are targeted at ATMs where they are robbed after withdrawing cash. Moreover, due to the number of people collecting stokvels during the festive season and then going out to purchase items for their families, there will also be a stronger police presence in town to ensure these people do ot fall victim to crime,” elaborated Major General Alexander.
As an increase is possible in the upcoming months, Major General Alexander pointed out that law enforcement will also focus on cash-in-transit robberies and other opportunistic crimes. Alongside a higher police presence in Newcastle, the Major General also highlighted that the SAPS have a number of plans and operations planned which will include roadblocks to ensure that no criminal activity can brought into town.
While looking at the threat of a further increase in crime, Major General Alexander noted that contributing factors included the high unemployment rate and poverty.
“But this is no excuse to break the law, and we are calling on all stakeholders that work with the SAPS and the community to join hands with the police to make the festive season a safe period for everyone,” he concluded.
As the police ramp up their efforts to maintain law and order in Newcastle and its surroundings, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.